ICANN Fellowship Program Scholarship 2026

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) plays a vital role in ensuring the stability and security of the global internet. Through its Fellowship Program, ICANN invites individuals from underserved and underrepresented communities worldwide to become active participants in its multistakeholder governance model. This fully funded program provides travel assistance, mentorship, and training to attend ICANN Public Meetings, empowering fellows to contribute to policy development and internet governance. If you are passionate about internet policy and looking for a unique international opportunity, you should check fully funded scholarships in Oman for international students to understand the broader landscape of opportunities available in the region hosting the upcoming meeting.

Overview of ICANN Fellowship Program 2026

The ICANN Fellowship Program aims to strengthen representation in the multistakeholder model by fostering opportunities for individuals to become active participants in the ICANN community. Fellows receive mentorship, training, and travel assistance to attend ICANN Public Meetings, where they gain exposure to policy building, domain name system operations, and global internet governance. The program has successfully brought together participants from diverse backgrounds and regions, creating a network of informed and engaged community members.

• Host Organization: ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers)

• Program Type: Fully Funded Fellowship

• Meeting Locations: Seville, Spain (ICANN86), Muscat, Oman (ICANN87), Lisbon, Portugal (ICANN88)

• Eligible Nationalities: All countries (underserved and underrepresented communities prioritized)

• Application Deadline: April 19, 2026 (for ICANN87)

• Age Requirement: Minimum 21 years

For students and professionals interested in comparing opportunities in other international organizations, latest scholarships in Spain for all nationalities provides another perspective on educational and professional development programs.

Who Can Apply?

The ICANN Fellowship Program welcomes candidates from all regions and sectors. Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be at least 21 years of age

• Demonstrate interest in or engagement with ICANN's work in policy building, domain name system operations, or global internet stability and security

• Complete mandatory ICANN Learn courses

• Not be involved in or associated with other ICANN-supported travel programs at the time of selection

• For Policy Forum applicants, must have successfully completed an ICANN Fellowship previously

• Have received no more than two fellowships previously (second and third-time fellows must prove involvement in ICANN communities)

The program actively encourages applications from individuals in underserved and underrepresented communities, ensuring diverse perspectives shape internet governance.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows receive comprehensive support to attend ICANN Public Meetings:

• Travel Assistance: Round-trip airfare to the meeting location

• Accommodation: Hotel stay during the meeting

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced ICANN community members

• Training: Pre-meeting orientation, ICANN Learn courses, and skill-building sessions

• Networking: Opportunities to interact with global internet governance leaders

• Post-Meeting Engagement: Continued involvement through alumni network and policy development processes

Special recognitions include the Tarek Kamel Fellowship Recognition for outstanding contributions to capacity development and the Paul Muchene Fellow Award for African region fellows with technical backgrounds.

Special Award Opportunities

Tarek Kamel Fellowship Recognition

Returning fellows who demonstrate exceptional contributions to furthering ICANN's capacity development efforts in their regions may receive this recognition.

Paul Muchene Fellow Award

Named in tribute to Paul Muchene, an ICANN Fellowship Program participant and staff member, this award is for selected fellows who live or work in the African region with technical backgrounds.

Requirements for Fellows

Fellowship recipients are expected to actively engage throughout their experience:

• Participate in Fellowship Program mentoring processes

• Complete all required ICANN Learn courses

• Attend the ICANN Public Meeting and all required activities, including ICANN Fellowship sessions

• Network and interact with program alumni and community members

• Complete the post-meeting survey

• Actively contribute to ICANN policy development processes and alumni network after the fellowship

Upcoming ICANN Meetings and Application Deadlines

ICANN Meeting Location Meeting Dates Application Deadline ICANN86 Policy Forum* Seville, Spain June 8-11, 2026 Closed ICANN87 Annual General Meeting Muscat, Oman October 17-22, 2026 April 19, 2026 ICANN88 Community Forum Lisbon, Portugal March 13-18, 2027 August 21, 2026

*Only ICANN Fellowship alumni are eligible to apply for the Policy Forum.

Current Status: The application round for ICANN87 in Muscat, Oman is open until April 19, 2026 at 23:59 UTC.

How to Apply

To apply for the ICANN Fellowship Program:

1. Create an ICANN Account (required for application)

2. Visit the official ICANN Fellowship Program page

3. Complete the online application form before the deadline

4. Submit all required information, including your background, experience, and motivation for participating

For questions or more information, review the program's Terms & Conditions, Selection Criteria, and Frequently Asked Questions on the ICANN website.

For professionals managing multiple international applications, list of all open scholarships in Middle East helps track various opportunities with different timelines.

Why Join the ICANN Fellowship Program?

The ICANN Fellowship Program offers a unique platform to engage with the global internet governance community. Participants gain:

• Firsthand exposure to how the internet is governed and policies are shaped

• Networking opportunities with leaders in technology, policy, and law

• Skills and knowledge applicable to careers in internet governance, cybersecurity, and digital policy

• Membership in a global alumni network dedicated to capacity development

• The chance to contribute to a stable, secure, and unified global internet

Final Thoughts

The ICANN Fellowship Program is a gateway to meaningful participation in global internet governance. With fully funded travel and accommodation, expert mentorship, and opportunities to shape policies that affect billions of users worldwide, this fellowship is ideal for professionals, students, and advocates passionate about the future of the internet. The application deadline for ICANN87 in Muscat, Oman is April 19, 2026—prepare your application, demonstrate your engagement with ICANN's mission, and take this step toward becoming a voice in the global internet community.

Apply Now for ICANN Fellowship Program 2026